BOSTON – During Victim Rights Month in April, Attorney General Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) recognize individuals and organizations that made advancements in victim rights and services.

Marc and Ivie Cremer received this year’s “Public Policy Advocacy Award” for strengthening laws that prevent dangerous drivers with suspended or revoked licenses from continuing to drive illegally.

In 2014, the Cremer’s 20-year-old daughter, Haley, was hit and killed while jogging by a driver with a suspended license. That driver, who had a lengthy record of driving infractions and prior suspensions, was convicted of motor vehicle homicide and sentenced to 2 ½ years in the Norfolk County House of Correction.

To prevent dangerous and unlicensed drivers from getting behind the wheel, the Cremers worked with Representative Louis Kafka (Stoughton), Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, and others to pass legislation that now requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to notify local police when residents lose their driving privileges.

This information increases the awareness of law enforcement of dangerous and habitual traffic offenders in their communities and deters suspended operators from driving given their license status is known by police.

“It has been truly inspiring to watch the Cremer family’s passion and drive as they have worked tirelessly to make the roads of our Commonwealth safer in Haley’s honor,” said Representative Kafka.

"The Cremer family’s determination, passion, and energy are to be commended. A parent’s worst nightmare has been turned into something that may save another parent from having to experience what no one ever wants to experience. Their efforts will make a difference. Even if it’s one life – it’s all worth it,” said Chief Tilden Kaufman of the Sharon Police Department.

Since taking effect this year, the RMV has worked with the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) to implement this notification statewide. Police departments are now using this information to better identify and monitor individuals they know should not be driving.

“The Registry applauds the Cremer family for their courage to ensure that something good could result from such a terrible loss. As a result of this work, officers across the Commonwealth have a readily accessible, organized list showing information on suspended drivers living in our communities,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Erin Deveney. “Using DCJIS, details are provided to show officers the offense that resulted in the suspension as well as any vehicles registered in that driver’s name. Drivers operating a motor vehicle while under suspension should think twice about getting behind the wheel knowing that local law enforcement officials have been notified of their suspension.”

In addition to their public policy work, the Cremer’s established the Haley Cremer Foundation to honor Haley’s memory and carry on her legacy of caring for others. The charitable non-profit awards scholarships and provides financial assistance to aspiring physical therapists and associated rehabilitation professionals, medical research organizations, and patients that require rehabilitative care to offset treatment costs.

To further honor Haley, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office established the Haley Cremer “Do Unto Others” Award for Peer Leadership. The award is given to a Norfolk County sophomore or junior who has made a profound impact on the lives of others.

“The Cremer’s are brave, generous people. They conceived a change that clearly makes other families safer on the road,” District Attorney Morrissey said. “This honor is well deserved.”

“We are pleased to recognize the Cremer family whose efforts will prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again,” said Liam Lowney, MOVA’s Executive Director. “They honor Haley each day and this achievement is an extraordinary example of their commitment to creating a safer community for other families.”
For further information on the Haley Cremer Foundation please visit www.haleycremerfoundation.org. For further information on Victim Rights Month activities or this year’s award recipients, please visit MOVA’s website www.mass.gov/mova or call (617) 586-1340.